Dog-related jobs tend to be active and hands-on, making it a challenge to convey your accomplishments to potential employers or clients in an interview setting. A good portfolio can give them a peek at some of your previous successes and can communicate abilities that may be hard to describe, especially in an area such as grooming, where artistry as well as experience is involved, or training, in which you need to establish a rapport with the dogs. The portfolio also documents your ability to work with dogs and the kinds of activities you’ve done with them in the past.

Portfolio Basics

A portfolio should include certain basic elements, no matter what kind of job you are seeking. Always include a copy of your resume, a college transcript, if applicable, and a sheet listing your job skills and interests. Also include any letters of thanks or commendation and any relevant experience that isn’t listed on your resume. While many job applicants create electronic portfolios either on a website or on a CD, placing all of your portfolio information into a three-ring notebook is often the best way to show it to an employer, though you may also want to leave the employer with the CD or the URL for a website that he can refer to when making a hiring decision.

Photographer

A dog-themed portfolio for a photographer should include enlargements of some of your best work. If you have taken dog photos professionally, include a few of these in your portfolio along with information about when and where they were taken. Don’t be afraid to include casual shots you've taken for friends or just for fun, especially if they are striking images that show that your flair for composition, background, and portraiture. Mix serious shots, such as dog show photos, with close-ups that give a sense of the dog’s personality. Show that you can produce the kind of work that your employer needs. Including a range of photo types can help employers and prospective clients to see your versatility and ability to work in different situations.

Groomer

When creating a portfolio to highlight your dog grooming abilities, include as many photos as you can of the different breeds of dogs you've worked with, especially breeds that require a lot of effort and precision work, such as poodles and cocker spaniels. If you have experience grooming show dogs, include dog show photos that depict them receiving ribbons and awards. Include copies of any professional certifications you’ve received, such as those from the National Dog Groomer’s Association of America. Pictures of you working on dogs, lists of any equipment you own and testimonials from dog owners whose pets you have groomed are all helpful additions to a dog groomer’s portfolio.

Trainer

A dog-training portfolio can help you to get either work as a private trainer or a job training for a pet shop, kennel or other larger business. Your portfolio should include as much information as possible about any training you've done in the past, along with photographs to support your claims. If you specialize in a certain type of training, such as obedience or agility, include pictures from trials in which you can be seen working with your dog or accepting ribbons and trophies. Testimonials from former clients can be very helpful, especially if they're willing to serve as references. Mention all training education and certifications you’ve acquired, and if the organization you attended isn't well known, include some background information as well. Compose a one-page statement about your dog-training philosophy and be prepared to back it up with specific success stories and solid research.